Stop Dying to Chronos — Foolproof Hades 2 Tips to Outsmart the Titan of Time

Chronos, the Titan of Time in Hades 2, is a two-phase boss that mixes mid-range scythe attacks, summoned minions, and stage-wide hazards. It’s a tough fight, but clear patterns and the right loadout make the encounter manageable.

1. Chronos moveset
2. How to beat Chronos

Chronos moveset

The fight has two phases. In phase one, Chronos uses a set of core attacks and will summon minions early on. At roughly 50% HP his attack speed and combos increase, and at 0% HP the battle shifts into phase two with a clock-shaped arena and new, arena-wide instant-death mechanics.

Forward dash

Chronos dashes forward and leaves an explosive trail. Dodge sideways to avoid both the dash and the delayed explosions.

Scythe slash

This is a long-range melee swing that also leaves explosives in its trail. Chronos telegraphs it by pulling his right arm back. If you dodge behind him right as he winds up, you can get safe melee hits.

Spinning scythe (boomerang)

He throws the scythe in a wide arc from left to right. The sound and the scythe’s lift to the left are reliable tells. Avoid staying in close melee range during this attack.

Scythe cyclone + projectile

Chronos summons a cyclone that pulls you in, then fires a large projectile. Sprinting out of the cyclone early prevents the projectile from hitting. Dodging behind Chronos at the cyclone’s start is a good opening to punish him.

Golden orbs and orbs everywhere

Chronos summons rotating golden orbs around himself as a shield, and in other patterns will teleport and fill the arena with dozens of orbs. The orbs are easiest to wait out, but occasionally environmental collisions (for example, Chronos dashing into a wall) will remove them.

Minion spawn

He summons the same six minions from the room or two stronger variants. Minions aren’t as dangerous as Chronos himself, so kill them quickly to focus on the main boss.

Hourglass banners

Banners spawn that grant shields to enemies standing in their blue ring. You can destroy the banners, but they disappear on their own if ignored.

Phase two hazards

In the clock-shaped arena Chronos keeps earlier attacks and adds stage hazards:

• One-hit kill patterns: the arena shows a single safe number or a safe ring you must stand in to avoid instant death.
• Circle of fire: a fire ring moves inward; you must dash through it.
• Golden orb swirl and time spheres: rotating orb spawn points are telegraphed by red lasers or dark shades on the floor; avoid those zones.
• Moving clock hands: rotating golden hands sweep the field; keep distance until they vanish.

How to beat Chronos

First, note two technical facts: time-manipulation effects do not affect Chronos unless you remove his immunity with the Temporal Fluctuation incantation, and you can pause the game during this boss fight.

Because Chronos favors mid-range attacks and summons many projectiles, ranged approaches are generally safer. However, fast melee builds that can consistently dodge behind him also work.

Weapons and combat tips

The Argent Skull is a solid choice because it provides several ranged options and a charged special that clears minions. The Sister Blades are a viable melee alternative thanks to high mobility and quick attacks, but they require more precise positioning.

Boons, Arcana and Hexes

Focus on boosting one or two attack types so you can repeatedly apply strong damage. If Selene offers a Hex, Moon Water heals you and increases survivability; with Path of Stars upgrades it becomes especially valuable.

Recommended Arcana (base cards):

• Death — gives a single respawn with 40% HP.
• The Centaur — adds +3 max HP and max Magick over locations visited.
• The Unseen — restores Magick over time, useful for repeat specials.
• The Huntress — +30% damage on attack and special when under 100% Magick.
• Excellence — increases chance for Legendary or Rare boons.
• Judgement — can activate extra Arcana Cards when you defeat a Guardian.

Keepsakes

Schemeleus’s Luckier Tooth is strong for respawning with high HP if you fall. Nemesis’s Evil Eye raises damage against the last foe who defeated you, which can be useful after a failure. Odysseus’s Knuckle Bones reduces Guardian damage by 10% but note its 15% life loss only applies for the first Guardian—equip it at the right time.

Fight strategy summary

Clear minions early in phase one so you can focus on Chronos. Watch the tells for scythe attacks and cyclone-projectile combos. In phase two, prioritize positioning to stay inside the safe zone during one-hit mechanics, and use telegraphed floor markers to avoid time spheres and orb spawns. Finally, manage Magick and boons so you can use strong ranged attacks when openings appear.